This week in Nairobi, Kenya, environmental leaders from governments and civil society gather from February 16-20, 2009, to discuss the future of mercury. This 25th UN Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Governing Council meeting is preceded by seven years of negotiations to coordinate a global effort on mercury.

The UNEP Executive Director has posted a press release on the UNEP website calling for global action on mercury this week. UNEP hosts a specific program on mercury management. A legally binding treaty would aim to achieve a significant reduction in mercury emissions, supply, and demand.

The Zero Mercury Working Group is one of several civil society groups in Nairobi to promote a global treaty on mercury.

ENDS Europe reported that member states were close to reaching a global deal on mercury on February 19.

Related Information:

• HEAL has ongoing involvement in the elimination of mercury through the UNEP process. We have actively participated in European stakeholder meetings and contributed to the European Civil Society Statement for Governing Council.

• Stay Healthy Stop Mercury campaign raises awareness of the immediate health threats of mercury, and proposes alternatives and solutions for reducing exposure

• HEAL Article - Mercury discussions at the UNEP Global Council could pave way to global ban